Apples

2019 Apple-Picking Hours & Varieties – Picking lots of varieties!

Apple Orchard Hours

August through October
Monday–Friday 9am to 6pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am to 6pm

The apple orchard is at our Oswego farm only. Before heading to the orchard for U-pick apples, ALL guests must first purchase a bag in the farmstand on weekdays or at the apple barn on weekends. Prices reflect which size bag each person prefers. Every person age 5 through adult needs to purchase a bag. We no longer carry apple baskets. Please buy apple bags by 5:30pm to allow enough time for picking.

Prices (Age 5 through adult)

$6.50/person for ¼ peck bag (about 3 lbs)
$13/person for ½ peck bag (about 5–6 lbs)
$26/person for 1 peck bag (about 10–12 lbs)

Tax is added on at time of purchase.

*Children 4 and under may enter for free but do not get a bag

**Keller’s staff will close orchard if there is inclement weather and will reopen orchard when weather conditions are safe for visitors.

Apple-Picking Tips

• Pick only from rows marked at the end as ready for picking.
• Look for apples that are more red or yellow in color and less green.
• When picking, hold the apple gently, roll upwards and twist off the stem.
• Pick carefully! You must purchase what you pick.
• Please pick only what will fit in the bag. Overstuffed bags will be charged extra.
• Refrigerate apples after picking and be sure to wash them before using.

If you’d like to purchase prepicked apples, visit either of our local farmstands! Call ahead for variety availability before heading over!

Oswego Farmstand
Naperville Farmstand

Approximate Ripening Dates

Late August–early September: Ginger Gold, Zestar
Mid September: Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Jonathan, Cortland, early Fuji, Autumn Crisp
Late September: Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Empire, Jonastar
Early October: Mutsu (Crispin), Idared, late Fuji, Rome Beauty
Mid October: Evercrisp

Additional Guidelines & Recommendations

• Pets and smoking are prohibited at the orchard. You are welcome to smoke in your car.
• Backpacks, large purses or bags, ladders and apple-picking poles are not allowed in the orchard.
• It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes rather than flip-flops or sandals when picking (fallen apples often attract bees). The orchard has grown, so we suggest good walking shoes.
• Watch your step! The ground in the apple orchard can be uneven.

 

CURRENTLY PICKING

Taste: Tart, juicy, crisp
Uses: Eating, baking, sauce, pie, freezing

Taste: Mild sweet flavor, juicy
Uses: Eating, baking, sauce, pie, juice, freezing

Taste: Sweet, juicy
Uses: Eating

Taste: Mild
Uses: Baking (keeps shape well)

NOT READY FOR PICKING

FINISHED FOR THE SEASON

Joy of Autumn Apples

Summer starts to wind down, making way for fall. The trees prepare for their months-long concert of color. As the season deepens, the air starts to fill with the crisp autumn chill.

And at Keller’s Farmstand, our apple orchard bursts with fresh, crisp, vibrant fruit ripe for the picking. It’s a wonderful time for family and friends.

We have been growing apples in the region for more than a century. In 2004, we started our apple orchard in Oswego. Today, the orchard still requires constant care and attention to ensure the best apple-picking in late summer and fall.

We begin pruning in February and continue for about two weeks. Doing this each year supports apple growth by contributing to healthier trees.

Along the way, we have also planted new varieties, which has tripled the size of our apple orchard.  Because we’ve grown so many, and not all varieties ripen at the same time, we have apples ready all season long.

All fresh apples are inspected for quality and chosen by hand when they are at their peak ripeness. You can purchase our pre-picked apples at any of our farmstands (see below for locations).

You can visit our Oswego apple orchard for daily U-pick apples during the season as well. Have a blast with family and friends as you stroll down our orchard’s lush, leafy lanes with a Keller’s bag for filling.

Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep current with our apple varieties ready for picking.

Get our special apple recipes on Pinterest too. Here’s one you can enjoy right now:

Grandma Keller’s Apple Kuchen

Topping
1/2 cup each sugar and packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons each flour and softened butter or margarine
1 teaspoon cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 375°. Cream sugar, shortening and egg until fluffy. Stir in milk.
2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Beat into creamed mixture. Spread dough in greased 9” square pan.
3. Top with rows of apple slices, overlapping slightly.
4. Combine topping ingredients with fingers or wire pastry blender until crumbly. Sprinkle crumbs over apples. Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown.